Bram’s Bike Spam - How to hit the road safely with your lease bike

Biking is becoming everyday life for more and more people. Commuting to work, running a quick errand, or heading out for a weekend ride in the green. But with that growth also come a few extra questions.

Do you need to wear a helmet? Should you take your battery with you? How do you prevent bike theft in the city? And where is the best place to park your bike?

Good news: with a few smart habits, you can hit the road safely, confidently, and stress-free. Here’s the full rundown.

Is a bike helmet mandatory in Belgium?

Short answer: no, but we strongly recommend it.

For a standard e-bike that provides assistance up to 25 km/h, wearing a helmet is not mandatory in Belgium. That’s the type of e-bike most riders use for commuting or city trips.

If you ride a speed pedelec up to 45 km/h, different rules apply. In that case, a helmet is mandatory. The helmet must comply with the EN1078 standard and offer extra protection for the temples and the back of the head. You can find the CE marking on the inside of the helmet.

💡 Read more about the rules that apply to speed pedelec riders: “All speed pedelec rules in one overview”.

“Research shows that wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of severe head injuries by 60% and the risk of fatal head injuries by 70%, compared to not wearing a helmet.” (Source: Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde)

So even though a helmet is not legally required for most e-bikes, studies clearly show it significantly lowers the risk of serious head injuries in a fall. And in busy city traffic like Brussels, that is definitely not a luxury.

Our take? Don’t see a helmet as an obligation, but as a smart investment in your own safety. Our colleague Elke was in a serious cycling accident when she was 10. She was not wearing a helmet. Read more about her experience here.

Should you take your e-bike battery with you or not?

If you park your e-bike in the city, the answer is usually: yes, better to do it.

An e-bike battery is a popular target for thieves. It’s compact, easy to remove, and often worth hundreds of euros. Especially in urban areas like Brussels, it’s a good habit to take your battery indoors when you park.

This is extra recommended when you leave your bike unattended for a longer time, park near busy shopping streets or stations, or leave your bike outside in the evening or overnight.

Also good to know: your battery is better stored indoors when it’s freezing outside. Yet another reason to remove it. 😉

It’s a small effort, but it significantly reduces the risk of theft.

💡 Want to keep your battery in top shape but not sure how? Read our “7 tips to maintain your e-bike battery”!

Preventing bike theft: make it hard for thieves

Bike theft is unfortunately still a reality in Belgium. Every year, thousands of bikes disappear and many are never recovered. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do yourself to reduce the risk.

A solid lock is essential. Preferably choose a sturdy U-lock or an ART-certified lock. If you really want to play it safe, use two different types of locks. That costs thieves extra time and often makes them move on.

Always park smart. Secure your bike to a fixed and solid object and avoid loose poles or traffic signs. If possible, choose well-lit and busy areas.

Document your bike. Take clear photos, note the serial number, and record any unique features. This helps a lot when filing a police report or insurance claim.

If your bike does get stolen, contact Joule as soon as possible and report the theft to the local police. With the official report, we’ll open a case with the insurer and handle the follow-up for you.

💡 Protect your bike against theft with these 5 tips!

Safe riding starts with visibility and predictable behavior

Staying safe on the road is about more than just a helmet and a good lock. It’s also about how you move in traffic.

Make sure your bike is always equipped with proper lights and reflectors, especially at dusk or in bad weather. Reflective clothing or accessories make a real difference, even during the day. 🦺

Your behavior in traffic is just as important:

• Follow traffic rules, clearly signal your turns, and stay predictable.
• Use designated bike waiting areas at traffic lights whenever possible.
• Be extra alert around trucks and buses. Their blind spots are large and drivers may not see you.

In short: visibility, technique, and predictability make all the difference.

Parking your bike safely in Brussels

Brussels is investing more and more in bike infrastructure and secure parking solutions. You can use bike boxes with key access, usually for a small annual fee. In several locations, there are also bike racks and pilot projects focused on theft prevention.

If you need to park your bike overnight or for a longer period, a closed bike parking facility or box is always safer than leaving it on the street.

Final thoughts: safe biking is all about habits

Biking can absolutely be safe and enjoyable, as long as you adopt a few smart routines.

Wear a helmet whenever possible, take your battery with you, use a solid lock, stay visible, and park your bike wisely.

Those small actions protect not only your bike, but also yourself. Whether you ride your lease bike to work or explore the city in your free time.

That’s how you stay worry-free on the road. And that’s exactly what we stand for at Joule. 💙

Read Bram’s other cycling tips here:

• Compact, electric, and theft-proof: 4 bikes for city dwellers with limited space
• Does my electric bike slow down when I go faster than 25 km/h?
• How long does it take to fully charge my bike battery?
• Can I share my bike with my partner who is much taller or shorter?

We add new tips every month, so be sure to check out our blog overview!

Questions about bike leasing? We’re just one contact form away. 😏👇🏻